Surry County Emergency Services

10/07/2026

Please join us in congratulating these paramedics, who were recognized at the Surry County Board of County Commissioners’ meeting during our annual Life Save Recognition.

Behind each recognition is a patient, a family, and another opportunity to spend time together. It also reminds us of the difference our providers can make when someone needs them most.

We are very proud of these paramedics and appreciate the knowledge, teamwork, and commitment they bring to this service and to Surry County.

Thank you to our Board of County Commissioners for helping us recognize their work. Congratulations to each of you, and thank you for all you do!

Pictured:
Justin Wilmoth - 5 saves
Joshua Hatton - 5 saves
Hannah Chilton Baker - 5 saves
Hunter Blose – 5 saves
Trent Stevens – 5 saves
Madison Willard – 5 saves
Chaz Dickerson – 10 saves

Not pictured:
Zach Wardle – 5 saves
Nathan Whitaker – 5 saves

10/02/2026

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For many of us at Surry County Emergency Services, breast cancer has affected our lives and our families. We know the worry that comes with a diagnosis and how it affects everyone who loves that person.

Breast cancer can be life-threatening and can spread to other parts of the body. Finding it early can improve treatment and outcomes. Please talk with your healthcare provider about screening and have any new breast changes checked. Your health deserves your attention.

This month, we honor those living with breast cancer, those who have completed treatment, and those we have lost. We also recognize the families and caregivers walking beside them through appointments, difficult decisions, and uncertain days.

Our pink patch is a small way to show our support. Behind it are people we know, people we love, and families in our community.

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, check on one another, and be there when someone needs you.

10/01/2026

🚑 Celebrating 27 Years of Service — Jonathan Freeman

Today marks the end of a chapter for Jonathan Freeman, as he officially retires after nearly 27 years of service to Surry County.

Jonathan spent those years serving our county as a paramedic and leader. Over almost three decades, he has seen a lot of change in EMS—the equipment, the medicine, the technology, and certainly the way we do the job. Through all of that change, Jonathan’s dedication and commitment to his patients, his coworkers, and this county have remained constant.

Several of us had the opportunity to spend time with Jonathan today, share a few stories, laugh about some memories, and recognize a career that has impacted many people.

Twenty-seven years represents countless calls, patients cared for, coworkers helped, long shifts, and moments that most people will never see. We are thankful for the knowledge and experience Jonathan has shared with us and, most importantly, for the years he has given to serving the people of Surry County.

While we will certainly miss having him with us, we are excited to see what his next adventure will be like. Hopefully, it will include a little more time doing the things he wants to do!

Thank you, Jonathan, for nearly 27 years of dedicated service. Congratulations on your retirement, and we wish you nothing but the best in whatever comes next!

10/01/2026

We haven't had a chance to talk about our new ambulance yet, but we sincerely appreciate Frazer, Ltd. and Emergency Transportation Associates for helping us bring the build from paper to reality! 🚑

We really appreciate all the time, effort, and patience that went into this—we’re really happy with how it turned out and can’t wait to put it to work.

More to come soon!

09/24/2026

We have a new friend joining Surry County EMS, and he can’t wait to meet you! 🦦

Everyone, say hello to Ollie the Otter! Ollie will be joining us at festivals and community events throughout Surry County. If you see Surry EMS, come look for Ollie, give him a wave, and stop by to say hello.

Ollie will also share his adventures here, so keep an eye out for where he goes next. We’re excited to have him along!

09/11/2026

🇺🇸 September 11, 2001 — We Will Never Forget

Twenty-five years later, we remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001, their families, the survivors, and all those whose lives were forever changed.

For those of us in emergency services, this day carries a special meaning. We remember all the responders from that day who answered the call that morning. When people needed them most, they showed up—many making the ultimate sacrifice.

Their courage and dedication continue to remind us what service to others truly means. It is now our responsibility to keep their memory alive and make sure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

Today, we remember their lives, honor their service, and keep their families and fellow responders in our thoughts and prayers.

May God bless the families, survivors, and responders today and always. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

09/11/2026

09/05/2026

Glad to be a part of the Stay Day event at Veterans Memorial Park today. This event raises awareness and provides mental health resources, helping break down barriers to getting help.

September is National Su***de Prevention Awareness Month. Working together, we can save lives through support and education.

09/03/2026

☀️ EXTREME HEAT — PLEASE TAKE IT SERIOUSLY ☀️

We expect another round of very high heat tomorrow, September 4, continuing into our Labor Day weekend. The summer is clearly not finished with us yet.

Please do not underestimate the heat. Extended time outdoors, especially in the afternoon, can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If you have to work or spend time outside, slow down, drink plenty of water, and take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning.

A few important reminders:

💧 Hydrate before you get thirsty and continue drinking water throughout the day.
🕒 Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the afternoon when possible.
👵 Check on elderly family members, neighbors, and others who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
🐾 Keep pets cool and make sure they have plenty of fresh water and shade.
🚗 Never leave a child or pet inside a vehicle — even for a few minutes.
🚑 Know the warning signs of heat illness. Confusion, fainting, or altered mental status can be signs of heat stroke and require immediate medical attention.

We have dealt with a lot of hot weather this summer, but please don't become complacent. This heat deserves our attention.

Take care of yourself, check on others, and please stay safe in the heat.